The United Kingdom has agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia following a request from Riyadh amid intensified attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Royal Air Force would provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft under a time-limited arrangement that will be kept under review.
Burnham said the decision followed a formal request from Saudi Arabia for military support after attacks on the kingdom.
Britain will deploy one Voyager aircraft for the refuelling mission in the coming days, according to Reuters. The Prime Minister said the assistance was intended to help Saudi Arabia respond to attacks while supporting regional stability and keeping key trade routes open.
The decision comes as fighting between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis has intensified, with the Iran-backed group making territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The conflict has also raised concerns over shipping and energy supplies, particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz, two major routes for global trade and oil transportation.
Britain previously deployed its Sky Sabre air-defence system to Saudi Arabia during the wider conflict involving Iran.
The latest support will be reviewed as the security situation develops.